WASHINGTON, D.C. — Charles Jones Jr., a 20-year U.S. Army veteran and current Roehl Transport driver, claimed the 2025 Transition Trucking Driving to Excellence Award during a ceremony at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This annual honor recognizes former service members who successfully pivot into the trucking industry, showcasing high-level professionalism and safety standards in their first year on the road.
Jones spent two decades in the military, serving as an unmanned aircraft systems operator and platoon sergeant with multiple combat deployments in Iraq and South Korea. After concluding his service, he completed training at the Georgia Driving Academy in late 2024. He transitioned directly into the Roehl Transport Safety and Job Skills Training Program, proving that disciplined military experience often creates the most reliable candidates for trucking companies hiring new talent.
The prize package for this achievement includes a brand-new Kenworth T680. The tractor features a 76-inch sleeper, a 455-horsepower PACCAR MX-13 engine, a PACCAR TX-12 automated transmission, and PACCAR DX-40 tandem rear axles. The award is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Hiring Our Heroes initiative, Kenworth, and FASTPORT to promote career opportunities for veterans.
What This Means for Drivers
For any CDL-A driver looking to make a career switch, Jones’s success highlights the value of structured carrier training programs. Companies like Roehl often prioritize veterans because they bring a culture of safety and punctuality that aligns with strict FMCSA regulations. Veterans searching for OTR truck driver positions should leverage military transition programs to secure top-tier equipment and better starting pay packages.
Industry Reaction
The trucking industry continues to lean heavily on military talent to fill the gap left by retiring drivers. By highlighting the success of individuals like Jones, along with finalists Macy Mattice of Melton Truck Lines and Mark Scriven of Stevens Transport, organizations are proving that the transition from the barracks to the cab is a viable path for long-term career stability. These awards serve as a benchmark for excellence that all professional drivers can strive to emulate.
Key Points
- Charles Jones Jr. served three combat deployments in Iraq and two rotations in South Korea.
- The award winner began his professional driving career in early 2025.
- Finalists Macy Mattice and Mark Scriven received cash prizes for their performance.
- The Kenworth T680 prize is equipped with the latest PACCAR powertrain technology.
Looking for a better trucking job? US Trucker's free job-matching service connects CDL-A drivers, OTR drivers, regional drivers, and owner-operator professionals with 500+ top US carriers. Leave your details in the form on this page and a recruiter will call you within one business day. Trucking companies are hiring now.
Photo by Braeson Holland on Pexels